Fumes kill birds but people escape

April 16, 2009

Eleven people, including at least one child, were hospitalized today after two dead birds led officials to determine carbon monoxide had built up in a Carpentersville home.

None of the injured people, ranging in age from 11 months to 37, was thought to have suffered serious injuries in the incident, which was reported around 1:30 p.m. in the 0-100 block of Wren Road, Carpentersville Fire Chief John Schudt said.

The residents were all outside the home when emergency crews arrived, he said.

Two of the residents complained of illness but all 11 were taken for evaluation to Sherman Hospital in Elgin at the recommendation of hospital officials, Schudt said.

Testing determined there were elevated levels of CO inside the house, the source appearing to be a malfunctioning furnace and oven, the chief said.

A resident called the Fire Department after discovering the birds dead in their cage.